Pulmonary Functions among Beedi Rolling Workers of South India - A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: In India, 1.83 million people are suffering from occupational diseases contributing to 20% of the global burden. Prevalence of respiratory impairment amongst beedi workers in India is 23.5%. Prolonged exposure to low levels of tobacco dust may lead to respiratory impairment thereby affecting the lung functions. Hence, this Cross sectional study was conducted. Objective: To evaluate the pulmonary functions (PFT) of beedi workers and to assess the gender variation and the association of duration of exposure to tobacco dust. Methods: This cross sectional study included Beedi rolling workers (n=182) from different areas of Salem and Dharmapuri exposed to raw tobacco. Both sexes of age 20 to 50 years and who were involved in beedi rolling for at least for >2yrs were included in the study. Data were collected with a self administered questionnaire, and with a flow volume spirometry. Pulmonary function test was done and bronchodilator reversibility was done to arrive at a diagnosis. Data was analysed using SPSS software 18.0. Results: The tobacco workers tended to have a low forced vital capacity (FVC), and they had impaired Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and lower means of the maximal expiratory flow at 25% of the FVC significantly. Point prevalence of pulmonary functions revealed combination of obstructive (16%), restrictive (7%), and mixed (10%) disorders. Tobacco workers exposed to tobacco dust for longer duration (>11 years) had significant reduction of FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC. Conclusion: This study shows respiratory impairment amongst beedi workers who are exposed to tobacco dust which emphasise on strict preventive measures to be adopted.